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The Background …
Over the years that Mark and Shona Walsingham owned Ashmead it developed from a small weedy pool in the Somerset wetlands (Goat Willow) to an iconic carp water and wetlands nature reserve, creating memories for so many carp anglers from all over the UK.
For those unfamiliar with Ashmead, it is very different to the other waters currently controlled by the Carp Society. In complete contrast to Horseshoe, Farriers and Little Farriers, Ashmead is a very secluded venue. The entire 17 acres is broken up by a number of islands, with connecting channels and pools giving a very intimate water with many of the swims tucked away within the bankside cover.
One of the clear objectives of the Society since its initial inception has always been to acquire its own waters to be enjoyed by members. The decision to proceed with the purchase of Ashmead wasn’t taken lightly and many discussions were ongoing at the time before we committed to the purchase. The Board has always been mindful that the waters currently under the Society’s control are all located in the Cotswolds, so it was felt that a water in another area would be appreciated by visiting anglers.
It’s approaching three years now since the Carp Society purchased Ashmead. It was never going to be easy to transition from a very personal, daily hands-on, approach that worked so well for Mark and Shona to a more remote routine, as Ashmead became one of the four waters we have to manage from our base in Gloucestershire. Some aspects of the transition have proved to be difficult, and there is a very vocal group of anglers who are very critical of what is happening at Ashmead. Up to this point we have not commented publicly but feel the time is right to make a reply on some of the issues raised.
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1) Comments that we are not committed to Ashmead’s future ...
We suggest it’s easier to let the facts speak for themselves, with a summary of expenditure and what has been completed to date.
a) Electricity and Fresh Water Supplies
When the Society took over Ashmead neither fresh water nor electricity was on site. Protracted negotiations finally got both installed to serve the aerators, kitchen, shower and W/C – cost £30,000
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b) Kitchen Upgrade, Shower & WC Facilities
The existing facilities the Society inherited at Ashmead at the time of purchase needed attention. The cabin has now had a fitted kitchen installed, and the shower (previously served by lake water) is now fed with heated fresh water – total cost £2,000.
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First work party after purchase
Below lodge/kitchen area after the work party and more recently with additional kitchen upgrade
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c) Car Park
With all the vehicles now attending site for ongoing improvements it was clear the existing car park was inadequate to deal with this level of traffic and would also be unfit to accommodate visiting anglers. Suitable machinery was brought in, debris skimmed off, rough hardcore laid, topped and rolled with Type1 aggregate – cost £5,000.
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Car park before and after | |
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a) Perimeter Otter Fence
Whilst Ashmead was sold to the Carp Society as having a fully enclosing otter fence, it soon became apparent that the existing fence needed upgrading so that we could ensure total protection for the venue’s residents. Evidence of otters was found on site and the situation needed immediate priority. Subsequently, a professional contactor was engaged to erect a full perimeter otter proof fence (similar to the one at Horseshoe) which will now last for many years – cost £50,000. The unwanted delay in the contractors clearing the rubble from the aftermath of the new fence-build was an issue which has now been resolved.
b) Bank (and Islands) Clearance and Maintenance
Maintenance of bankside vegetation and fallen trees, much of which has to be initially done by hand to create sufficient room for machinery access.
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Pictures of work carried out over the last year and below the new fence | |
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Expenditure so far … Plant items purchased:
Mower, strimmers and hedge cutters - £5k
Winch for tree and snag removal - £3k
ATV to aid tree/snag removal - £4k
Hired plant items:
Diggers and wood chippers for tree removal - £4k
Total cost - £16,000
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c) Stockpond(s)
When we bought Ashmead, we were led to believe there were two stock ponds on site holding fish approaching 20lb, that had been periodically moved from the main lake. One of the ‘ponds’ was drained and was actually found to be devoid of any carp. The pond has since been totally redeveloped and now holds thirty C2 and around a hundred hand selected C1’s. To avoid any risk of cross-contamination, these fish have been selected and reared from spawn taken from the main lake. These fish are currently being grown on, and when of a suitable size, will be reintroduced to the main lake. Our thanks go to Justin who took the lead in this project, and we are extremely grateful for his efforts on this – estimated cost £2,000.
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Before and after stockpond on Ashmead | |
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d) Caravan
Given the amount of ongoing work at the venue, our staff have had to spend a significant amount of time at Ashmead. With the lake over two hours from our Horseshoe base and the local B&B costs spiralling it was felt necessary to purchase a second-hand caravan for more convenient on-site accommodation – cost £3,000.
e) Long term plans …
In total we have invested close to £100,000 over the last three years; evidence of our commitment to Ashmead as a long-term investment to be enjoyed and appreciated by Carp Society members for many years to come. For anglers who prefer the more traditional approach with peace and seclusion at an intimate venue, coupled with some glorious carp, then Ashmead will tick all of the boxes. Along with the necessary ongoing daily maintenance at the lake, we have an ongoing schedule of further works planned for Ashmead as finances allow. Members will be kept informed about scheduled updates and developments.
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2) Weed Control and Long-term maintenance …
Anyone visiting Ashmead will immediately be aware of the prolific weed growth, this was always going to be one of our biggest issues and so it has proved. Soon after the Society took over ownership of the venue an emergency developed that required immediate attention in the form of an oxygen crash caused by the excessive weed growth. At the time of the oxygen crash, the EA were actually called in to attend and give a professional opinion. Their repeated message was that we had to address the weed situation which was out of control and in danger of taking over the place and was largely the reason for the oxygen depletion. Aeration systems and generators were immediately sourced and located permanently at the pool and kept running around the clock for several weeks, which involved daily manual attention on site. The purchase cost of generators, aerators and the necessary fuel (the diesel cost alone was in excess of £6k) – involved a total cost £10,000.
With the oxygen crisis temporarily averted, to avoid a repeat performance, it was blatantly clear that the excessive weed situation had to be addressed as a matter of priority. The extent of the weed growth was such that manual removal with rakes would not solve the problem quickly enough, so a professional outfit were engaged to provide a weed boat and operator for a week (£5k per visit). Such was the extent of the weed the contractor was required to attend for three separate weeks – total cost £15,000.
Managing the weed has not been easy, but long term we are committed to getting it right, both for the welfare of the fish and for the anglers fishing the water.
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Weed management thats taken place over the years | |
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3) Anglers access …
We have made every effort to maintain personal contact for bookings; however, transitioning from a family-oriented approach to a more business-like model has been challenging. As recently advertised, we are moving to a syndicate system and will monitor how it works. Ashmead can be a tricky water to fish and best suits experienced anglers. This has always been the case, and we will aim to explain this to anglers looking to book, to ensure the continued welfare of the fish and the environment.
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4) The Ashmead Carp
The principal aim of any carp venue is to provide enjoyable carp fishing. The stock levels in Ashmead are largely unknown. At the time of the purchase, it was indicated to contain in the region of 150 carp, primarily comprising mirror and common carp with a significant proportion of the stock said to be over 30lb. Due to the sprawling maze-like nature of the lake, it is hard to give an exact estimate of the stock. Over the last 3 years we have received catch reports evidencing a high proportion of thirties.
The current lake record is Single Scale, a big mirror which peaked at well over 58½lb, with the last known capture being just shy of 50lb. The lake has produced two 40lb+ mirrors, and no fewer than four 40lb+ commons, the lake record common weighing in at 44lb. (Information from previous owner Mark Walsingham.)
The stock is of true Leney carp, and a venue which has produced a 50lb+ Leney mirror and four 40lb+ Leney commons - and has the potential to repeat those weights - is a very special venue indeed, which is an apt description of Ashmead. It is a very special venue indeed which the Carp Society is proud to own and promote for the benefit of its members. For many years Ashmead has been a high profile and inspirational water which has moved several writers to set pen to paper about its beauty and prowess. It is a water for the ages.
Further details of Ashmead and its fishing can be found in the following book sources: Still for the Love of Carp (Carp Society; Mark Walsingham chapter), Fanning the Flames (Ian Chillcott), More From the Bivvy (Tim Paisley), Every Picture Tells a Story (Carp Society; Mark Walsingham chapter), A Dream of Carp (Mike Starkey), A Fool and His Eel (Mark Walsingham).
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Above: Aaron JC 41lb 6oz
Below left: John with Opal 32lb Below right: Russ with 31lb
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5) A reply to some of the criticisms that we are a closed shop and do not listen to feedback.…
We do listen. The Carp Society is not a closed shop (it is a democracy open to all carp anglers) and we will respond, but not to inappropriate posts, containing offensive language and personal insults. We also need, where serious concerns and complaints are made, to go through a proper process of discussing issues and agreeing replies which can take time.
We understand that emotions can run high. Ashmead is very special to so many people and as anglers we understand how easy it is to become attached to a water and want it to remain as it is, but the reality is that we are now the owners and must run it in a manner best suited to the Society’s membership and administration.
If you genuinely care about Ashmead work with us, tell us what your concerns are but do so in the right way by emailing enquiries@ashmeadfishery.com
6) In conclusion
Finally we must comment on the excellent work that has been done down there by the Society’s Fisheries Management – Miles Carter, and his team - and the progress that’s been made to improve the venue for visiting anglers. A big thank you goes out to all the bailiffs, volunteers, staff and anglers who have supported the Carp Society by contributing to the work that has been completed.
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